How to Arrange a New Orleans Jazz Funeral Procession

Funerals are an occasion to celebrate life and in New Orleans, death is not seen as a loss but a release from this life. Jazz was born in New Orleans, so it's only fitting the music is used in a commemoration of life. Jazz funerals are often held for musicians and members of social and pleasure clubs. These services evolved at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, they were most popular among African American Protestants. The Catholic Church frowned upon the secular music and dancing common to jazz funerals. You don't have to be in New Orleans to have a jazz funeral; here's how to arrange one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Find a jazz band with a full complement of brass instruments. Make sure they include at least one trumpet, trombone, saxophone, snare drum and bass drum. Search the Internet for available bands. The Gigmasters website is one of many that offer information on all types of bands.
2. Ask local high school and college band directors if any of their students have a jazz combo. The telephone book yellow pages are a good place to look as well. You might be fortunate enough to find a band that calls itself a "New Orleans-style" jazz band.
3. Check the band's song list for traditional music played during a jazz funeral. Dirges or solemn hymns are played during travel from the funeral home or church to the gravesite. If the band meets mourners at the cemetery, the music starts when the body is removed from the hearse. Traditional songs include "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Free as a Bird." Ask if the band can learn the songs in time for the service.
4. Choose a lively and up tempo song to play after the body is interred. One of the most traditional songs played is "When the Saints Go Marching In." Other song choices include "The New Second Line" and "Didn't He Ramble." This recessional leads away and finalizes the "cutting loose" of the soul from earthly ties.
5. Inform attendees of the customs of the jazz funeral, including dancing. The "Second Line" is a two-step of sorts, and is quintessential New Orleans. Dancers wave around handkerchiefs or umbrellas as they move to the beat in a front and back motion. The second line is another celebration of life and good times and is often danced at weddings as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Let mourners know of your plans to arrange for a New Orleans-style jazz funeral so they won't be shocked or offended.